We are not satisfied with real life; we want to live some imaginary life in the eyes of other people and to seem different from what we actually are.

It is of dangerous consequence to represent to man how near he is to the level of beasts, without showing him at the same time his greatness. It is likewise dangerous to let him see his greatness without his meanness. It is more dangerous yet to leave him ignorant of either; but very beneficial that he should be made sensible of both.

We feel neither extreme heat nor extreme cold; qualities that are in excess are so much at variance with our feelings that they are impalpable: we do not feel them, though we suffer from their effects.

What a difficult thing it is to ask someone's advice on a matter without coloring his judgment by the way in which we present our problem.

Let each of us examine his thoughts

Let us now speak according to natural lights. If there is a God, He is infinitely incomprehensible. . . . We are then incapable of knowing of either what He is or if He is. . . .

Vanity is so secure in the heart of man that everyone wants to be admired: even I who write this, and you who read this.